World War II Servicemen Raise American Flag On Iwo Jima 68 Years Ago

READER SUBMITTED:

It was 68 years ago that American servicemen fought one of the worst battles of World War II in the Pacific. February 19, 1945 marks the day they landed on the shores of Iwo Jima to fight what would become the bloodiest battle in Marine history. On the fifth day of battle, February 23, the 48-star American flag was raised on Japanese soil for the first time atop Mt. Suribachi. Joe Rosenthal's photograph of the second, larger flag to be raised that day became an iconic image and the most recognized symbol of WWII American heroism.

Survivors of the Battle of Iwo Jima, lead by Dr. George Gentile of Newington, built the only flag-raising monument of its kind right here in Connecticut. It is the only one built by survivors of that horrific battle and is a tribute to their 6,821 comrades who died during that battle, including at least 100 men from Connecticut whose names are inscribed on it.

Members of the Iwo Jima Memorial Historical Foundation will mark the 68th Anniversary of this WWII battle by holding events on the weekend of February 23 and 24. On Saturday, Foundation Vice-President, Mark Adamski, and fellow members of the Fleet Marine Force of historians and reenactors will present a display of WWII military memorabilia and be available to answer questions. He and fellow members will demonstrate the use of certain mementos from the battle. The display will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. During that time, a ceremony will take place at 10:15 a.m. to mark the time the flag was raised on Mt. Suribachi and a wreath will be place at the monument to honor those who fought and died during the battle.The Marine Corps League is working on arranging a military flyover during this ceremony.

On Sunday, February 24, the Foundation is arranging a matinee presentation of the 1949 classic, "Sands of Iwo Jima" starring John Wayne. In addition, there will be a display including battle memorabilia, raffles and refreshments. The movie will be preceded by an introduction of movie trivia and followed by a questions and answer discussion with Iwo Jima Survivors. The movie will be shown in the Newington Town Hall Auditorium. Doors open at 1 p.m. and show starts at 1:30 p.m. All donations collected will go to the Iwo Jima Memorial Maintenance Fund.

The Iwo Jima Memorial Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers and depends on donations and event proceeds to maintain the National Iwo Jima Memorial and Park. Anyone is welcome to join the Foundation organization.

The National Iwo Jima Memorial Park is located near CCSU at the intersection of Barbour Rd. and Ella Grasso Boulevard in New Britain. It is accessible from exit 29 off Route 9. In case of inclement weather, call ahead to confirm. Any changes will be posted on the Foundation's Face book page at "Iwo Jima Memorial Historical Foundation, Inc." Visit http://www.SOSIwoJima.com or call Gary at 860 291-9666.